There will be no place for rapists in Bangladesh as the government adopted a zero tolerance stance against the crime across the country, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt. General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday.
“Already all accused involved in the Magura rape incident have been arrested and the government will ensure highest punishment through legal process,” he said while talking to reporters after attending the core committee meeting on law and order situation at the Secretariat.
Investigation into rape cases in 15 days, trials within 90 days: Law Adviser
“Similarly, if any incident of violence or rape against women takes place anywhere in the country, they will be brought to book. Their maximum punishment will be ensured. The government's stance against rape in Bangladesh is 'zero tolerance',” he said.
“Our stance against rape and torture on women and children is much clear and we have asked the law enforcing agencies to take stringent measures against rape and torture on woman and children," said the adviser.
HC orders completion of Magura child rape trial in six months
“I have directed to submit a report to the court after completing a quick investigation by making a list of all the violence against women so far. The perpetrators of the recent incidents of rape will be brought to justice and punished,” he said.
The women will perform their duties fearlessly, without any hindrance, outside the house. Those who come to obstruct them, will be brought under the law, said the adviser. “No one will be spared.”
Legal steps should be taken against women and child repression, including rape, as well as social movement and awareness should be created, he said.
Referring to the banned militant outfit, Hizb ut-Tahrir, the adviser said the members of the banned militant group had brought out a procession after Juma prayer on Friday but police foiled their programme and some members of the group were arrested as the government adopted a zero tolerance policy against it.
Offences will be identified by citing video footage and the culprits will be identified through fact-checking after collecting video footage of the crimes, said the adviser.
Further action will be taken as per the law, he said.
On the law and order situation during the month of Ramadan, the adviser said nearly a hundred of check-posts have been set up in different important points in the capital and the number of patrols in crime-prone areas has been increased.
The joint forces of the army, police and BGB are conducting strong operations in the targeted areas. Officials of different levels of the ministry have been given regular tasks to monitor the night activities of these check posts and patrol teams, he said.
Law enforcement agencies are working to prevent extortion and mugging during Ramadan and to ensure overall security of buyers and sellers visiting various shopping malls and were instructed to take necessary measures to prevent extortion and mugging on the highways to ensure smooth journey of the homebound people, he added.